In order to decide which is better for the UK, EFTA or the EU, please click on the below graphic for a side by side comparison:

As a small child, so small I no longer remember the specifics of the question, I asked my father about immigration. While I can no longer recall the question, his answer will remain with me forever.

“Anyone who wants to come and work, pay taxes and raise their children is as British as you or I.”

And that small child grew up into the sort of person who knows the SECOND verse of the Marseilles. The sort who secretly listens to French pop music. The type of person who always has enough Euros in his wallet to grab a pack of Galois, an expresso and a copy of the IHT wherever he has ended up. And the where has included living and working across Europe and beyond. Therefore, the principle of free movement of workers – if not the implementation – is something for which I am passionate advocate.

Consequently, people are often surprised by my opposition to the EU. “But you love Europe”, they exclaim. “It will still be there after we leave the EU”, I respond.

Effectively there are two clubs that can play in the single market I explain. The European Union is the club for countries that plan to federate.

The European Free Trade Association is the trade bloc-alternative for European states who are unwilling to join the federation.

Why joining the European Free Trade Association would be better for the UK than EU membership:

Will we have any say over the rules?

Critics argue that if we leave and rejoin EFTA we will still “have to obey EU rules”.

Let’s be clear – the EU has very little influence over EFTA states.

The EFTA states are exempt from most of the contentious EU policy areas such as:

Common Agriculture and Fisheries Policies

Customs Union

Common Trade Policy

Common Foreign and Security Policy

Justice and Home Affairs

Monetary Union (EMU)

The areas in which the EU does have control are largely those to do with the single market, product standards and regulations. In many cases these rules are simply European interpretations of standards agreed at regional or global standard-setting bodies.